ASCAP, which is writer- and publisher-owned, was formed to enforce copyright laws. BMI, according to former ASCAP executive vice president Todd Brabec, is a corporation owned by the broadcasting industry, .
According to an April 2008 decision by Judge William C. Connor of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, ASCAP has a duty to represent the interests of its writers and publishers. BMI has no contractual obligations.
ASCAP has specific payment formulas for all its surveyed areas and for all performances. BMI has specific payment formulas for network TV, local TV and radio only.
ASCAP's writers and publishers sit on its advisory committees, attend membership meetings and select the Board of Directors and Board of Review. BMI holds no such meetings and its writers and publishers have no say in how BMI is run.
ASCAP earns more revenue than any performing rights organization in the world. BMI does not share info on its financial data to writers or publishers.
ASCAP was formed in 1914. BMI was formed in 1939.